Using the wrong operator

Overview

This is a common error given when an operator is used which does not make sense for the context appears.

Consequences

Unspecified.

Exposure period

Pre-design through Build: The use of tools to detect this problem is recommended.

Implementation: Many logic errors can lead to this condition. It can be exacerbated by lack, of or misuse, of mitigating technologies.

Platform

Languages: Any

Operating platforms: Any

Required resources

Any

Severity

Medium

Likelihood of exploit

Low

Avoidance and mitigation

Pre-design through Build: Most static analysis programs should be able to catch these errors.

Implementation: Save an index variable. This is the recommended solution. Rather than subtract pointers from one another, use an index variable of the same size as the pointers in question. Use this variable "walk" from one pointer to the other and calculate the difference. Always sanity check this number.

Discussion

These types of bugs generally are the result of a typo. Although most of them can easily be found when testing of the program, it is important that one correct these problems, since they almost certainly will break the code.